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Pilgrim Memorial State Park

The boulder that has become known as Plymouth Rock is located in a protected spot on the harbor. Access to view the rock is free though the gates are closed at night to prevent vandalism. Prepare to be underwhelmed by the size of the stone especially when you learn that its claim to fame is merely conjecture. All that aside the Pilgrims did make their mark, though they were by no means the first or most successful settlers. Visit early in the day to avoid the crowds.

Phone: (508) 747-5360
Address: Plymouth Rock
Water St

Plimouth Plantation

The Plantation is roughly three miles from downtown Plymouth but the Mayflower II, which is also part of the museum, is at the harbor in town. You can buy tickets at either location for both or just visit one. We only had time to tour the Plantation though we did manage to get a few pictures of the ship.

The Plantation focuses on a recreated native summer village and a replica of the small town built by the Pilgrims in the 1600s. They are designed as living exhibits so the staff are dressed in period clothes and perform the daily duties of the time period. While I appreciated the realness of the approach, I felt we were missing crucial information since there are no interpretive signs. To combine the living history with historical information would have been enlightening: it would have been insightful to hear about the various attempts, failures, and successes. At the craftsman’s barn various traditional skills are practiced. Most of the items on the grounds were made by hand, the old-fashioned way. The Plantation is also involved in breeding heritage livestock, similar to the breeds the Pilgrims raised. They have the most extensive gift shops I have ever seen at a museum.

Caution: Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes as some of the terrain is uneven. Also bugs could be bothersome. While there is plenty of free parking at the Plantation, parking near the Mayflower II is metered, on-street and limited. The Plantation is not open during the winter months.

Phone: (508) 746 1622
Address: 137 Warren Ave, Plymouth MA 02360